Physics (PHY) 1

Physics (PHY) PHY 161. Physics for the Life Sciences with Laboratory I. (4)
This is a quantitative introduction to the basic physical laws of
nature. Classical mechanics and thermal physics are emphasized.
Notes: Concepts are developed through lectures, demonstrations, computer
simulations, laboratory activities, and problem solving. Qualitative
1. Consult the physics placement guide for assistance in selecting
reasoning is emphasized and quantitative problem-solving skills are
beginning courses.
developed. Algebra and trigonometry are used. No previous physics
2. Contact the department chair or chief departmental advisor for course is required. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D-LAB.
appropriate physics course selection if you receive Advanced Prerequisite: ACT Math sub score 26 or SAT Math sub score 610 or
Placement credit in physics. Math Placement Test score of 16 or MTH 125.
3. Credit for graduation will be given for only one of PHY161 and
PHY 162. Physics for the Life Sciences with Laboratory II. (4)
PHY181, and credit for graduation will be given for only one of
A quantitative introduction to the basic physical laws of nature.
PHY162 and PHY182.
Oscillations, waves, electromagnetism, and quantum physics
are emphasized. Concepts are developed through lectures,
demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities,
and problem solving. Qualitative reasoning is emphasized and
PHY 101. Physics and Society. (3) quantitative problem-solving skills are developed. Algebra and
Introduction of fundamental principles of physics and discussion of trigonometry are used. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D-LAB.
the interaction of science and society, both today and in the past. Prerequisite: PHY 161 or equivalent.
Provides skills in thinking critically about societal problems which have
PHY 177. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)
a scientific or technological component. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D.
PHY 181. General Physics I. (4)
PHY 103. Concepts in Physics Laboratory. (1)
The course is a quantitative introduction to the basic physical laws
Laboratory course illustrating the basic concepts of physics. For
of nature. Kinematics, Newtonian dynamics, energy and momentum,
the general student; complements physics lecture offerings at the
gravity, oscillations, waves, and quantum physics are emphasized.
nonspecialist level. IVB, LAB. PA-2B. CAS-D/LAB.
Concepts are developed through lectures, demonstrations,
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: PHY 101, 111, 121, 131, or 141.
computer simulations, and problem solving. Qualitative reasoning is
PHY 111. Astronomy and Space Physics. (3) emphasized, and quantitative problem-solving skills are developed.
An introduction to the modern science of astronomy. Topics covered Concepts from differential and integral calculus are developed and
include history, basic astrophysical science, planetary science, stellar used. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D.
astrophysics, galactic astronomy, cosmology, and the question of Co-requisite: MTH 151 or equivalent.
extraterrestrial life. Suitable for students with or without a technical
PHY 182. General Physics II. (4)
background. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D.
The course is a quantitative introduction to the basic physical
PHY 121. Energy and Environment. (3) laws of nature. Thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism,
Application of physics principles and models to societal uses circuits, Maxwell’s Equations, and special relativity are emphasized.
of energy. Includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism, Concepts are developed through lectures, demonstrations,
thermodynamics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Energy topics computer simulations, and problem solving. Qualitative reasoning is
include resources, environmental problems, global atmospheric emphasized, and quantitative problem-solving skills are developed.
challenges, nuclear power, solar energy, alternative energy systems, Concepts from differential and integral calculus are developed and
and energy conservation. Algebraic skills are required but no previous used. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D.
course in physics is needed. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D. Prerequisite: MTH 151 or equivalent, PHY 181 or equivalent.
PHY 131. Physics for Music. (3) Co-requisite: MTH 249, MTH 251 or equivalent.
Introduction to the basic physics of sound within the context of music. PHY 183. General Physics Laboratory I. (1)
Production, transmission, and reception of sound waves; traditional Laboratory course for students enrolled in PHY 181. Laboratory
and electronic musical instruments; physics of sound reproduction. experiments in mechanics, energy, waves, and quantum phenomena
IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D. are performed. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D.
PHY 141. Physics in Sports. (3) Co-requisite: PHY 181.
Various aspects of a dozen or more sports are treated using the PHY 184. General Physics Laboratory II. (1)
laws of physics. Provides the non-science student with insight into Laboratory course for students enrolled in PHY 182. Laboratory
principles governing motion, dynamics, and other elements of physics experiments in thermal physics, electricity, magnetism, and circuits
in sports. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D. are performed. IVB. PA-2B. CAS-D.
Cross-listed with KNH 141. Co-requisite: PHY 182.
PHY 185. Experiencing The Physical World. (1)
The course provides enrichment activities for students enrolled in
PHY 181 or PHY 182. As a First-Year Experience course, students
learn about resources in the in the Physics Department and at Miami
University, establishing a foundation for academic and co-curricular
success.
Co-requisite: PHY 181, or PHY 182, or permission of instructor.
2 Physics (PHY)

PHY 215. Physics by Inquiry. (3) PHY 340. Internship. (0-20)

For middle and adolescent level education majors seeking licensure PHY 377. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)
in science. Emphasizes scientific inquiry in an activity-based,
cooperative-learning approach. Goals are to develop basic physical PHY 400/PHY 500. Physics Seminar. (1; maximum 4)
concepts and the scientific reasoning skills necessary to apply them Weekly physics colloquium series presenting guest speakers on topics
to the natural world and to serve as a model for the transfer of the of interest to scientific community. Required of all graduate students
methods of inquiry-based instruction and authentic assessment to in residence. Offered for credit/no-credit only.
the precollege classroom. Topics selected from properties of matter, Prerequisite: PHY 192 or equivalent or permission of faculty in
thermodynamics, electricity, optics, kinematics, and astronomy. charge.
Assessments include laboratory notebook and journal writing, PHY 401. Physics Assessment Examination. (0)
discussion, and developing and teaching inquiry lessons. Standardized assessment examination for physics majors.
Prerequisite: one year of physical science or permission of instructor. Prerequisites: PHY282 and senior standing.
PHY 277. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10) PHY 410. Topics in Physics Seminar. (1-3; maximum 12)
PHY 281. Contemporary Physics I: Foundations. (3) Directed study in selected topics in physics. Includes reading,
The course emphasizes special relativity and quantum physics, and research, writing, reporting, and discussion.
the development of quantitative problem-solving skills necessary PHY 421/PHY 521. Molecular and Cellular Biophysics. (4)
for the application of advanced physics concepts. The PHY 281/282 Introduction to physical phenomena acting on molecular and cellular
sequence provides a solid conceptual and mathematical foundation size scales, including transport properties; thermodynamics and
for students continuing with advanced physics courses. It is also statistical mechanics of reactions; self-assembly; and fluctuations.
valuable as a terminal physics sequence for students in physics- Development of physical models for biological systems and
related fields. phenomena, including cooperative behavior in macromolecules;
Prerequisite: PHY 182. enzyme activity; molecular motors and machines; energy
Co-requisite: MTH 252 (or permission of instructor). transduction; and nerve transmission.
PHY 282. Contemporary Physics II: Frontiers. (3) Prerequisite: PHY 162 or PHY 192, MTH 252, or permission of
The course is a continuation of PHY 281 with further quantitative instructor.
development of quantum and statistical physics, covering enabling PHY 430/PHY 530. Topics in Physics. (1-4; maximum 12)
tools and techniques from atomic, molecular, condensed matter, Study of topics of current interest in physics beyond the coverage in
nuclear and particle physics, as well as advances in nanotechnology, other course offerings.
quantum optics, and biophysics. The PHY 281/282 sequence provides Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing in physics or permission of
a solid conceptual and mathematical foundation for students instructor.
continuing with advanced physics courses. It is also valuable as a
PHY 437/PHY 537. Intermediate Thermodynamics and
terminal physics sequence for students in physics-related fields.
Introduction to Statistical Physics. (4)
Prerequisite: PHY 281.
Development of formal thermodynamics including first, second,
PHY 286. Introduction to Computational Physics. (3) and third laws, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell's relations,
A course on use of computers in analyzing physical systems. Topics phase transitions, and illustrative applications of thermodynamics.
of study come from classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical Introduction to kinetic theory approach to behavior of systems
physics, and quantum mechanics. not in equilibrium, Boltzmann Equation, and transport processes.
Prerequisite: PHY 182, MTH 251. Development of statistical mechanics and ensemble approach to
PHY 292. Electronic Instrumentation. (2) equilibrium statistical thermodynamics. Pre- or co-requisite: PHY 483/
Theory and application of electronic instrumentation for scientists PHY 583 or permission of instructor.
with emphasis on data acquisition and analysis. Prerequisite: PHY 281.
Prerequisite: PHY 182. PHY 440. Research. (1-4; maximum 12)
Co-requisite: PHY 294. Undergraduate research projects with direction of faculty member.
PHY 293. Contemporary Physics Laboratory. (2) Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Designed for students majoring in physics. Focuses on Nobel PHY 441/PHY 541. Optics and Laser Physics. (4)
prize-winning physics research occurring within the lifetime of the Lecture and laboratory course covering all aspects of lasers and their
student. Topics may include Balmer series of hydrogen, high-Tc applications. Teaches basics of physical and geometrical optics and
superconductivity, x-ray diffraction, and magnetism. Communication atomic physics in detail to understand the design, operation, and
skills are developed through report writing, presentations, and application of lasers. Topics include gaussian beams, cavity design,
manuscript writing. CAS-D/LAB. CAS-W. rate equation models of laser gain media, different types of lasers,
Prerequisite: PHY 192. and nonlinear optics.
Co-requisite: PHY 282. Prerequisite: PHY 281, PHY 293, or permission of instructor.
PHY 294. Laboratory in Electronic Instrumentation. (2)
Laboratory experience in the use of electrical and electronic
instruments, application of transducers and data acquisition
equipment. Use of computer in analyzing data and interfacing
computer with experiments.
Co-requisite: PHY 292.
 Physics (PHY) 3

PHY 442/PHY 542. Spectroscopy of Atoms and Molecules. (4) PHY 486/PHY 586. Advanced Computational Physics. (3)
Survey of the structure of atoms and molecules, using optical Develops computational skills necessary to apply mathematics and
spectroscopy as a tool. Lecture reviews the quantum theory of physics to the investigation and solution of non-analytic problems of
atoms and molecules, including solutions to the Schroedinger physical interest. Topics will include, but are not limited to, celestial
equation, spectroscopic notation, transition rates, and selection mechanics, fluid mechanics, and quantum mechanics. The physical
rules. Laboratory examines a variety of light sources, with increasing basis of these topics can often be understood at the undergraduate
resolution. Zeeman, fine structure, and hyperfine structure, in level, but require sophisticated computational methods for their
particular, are considered. Emphasis on laboratory investigation. Pre- actual solution. This course will develop and apply those methods.
or co-requisite: PHY 483/PHY 583. Prerequisite: PHY 286 and PHY 483/PHY 583.
Prerequisite: PHY 281, PHY 293, or permission of instructor. PHY 488. Research Capstone in Physics. (3)
PHY 451/PHY 551. Classical Mechanics. (4) This course is an intensive, research-based capstone experience in the
Mechanics, nonrelativistic and relativistic, of particles, systems of format of an individual study. The student will identify and develop
particles, and rigid bodies treated by Newtonian, Langrangian, and a research project, perform necessary research activities, write a
Hamiltonian methods using vector and matrix analysis and calculus journal-style research report, and communicate research findings to
of variations. Pre- or co-requisite: PHY 483/PHY 583 or permission of other students and faculty in a conference-style presentation. The
instructor. student must identify a faculty research advisor prior to enrolling
in this individual-study course. SC. Senior standing and at least one
PHY 461/PHY 561. Electromagnetic Theory. (4)
semester of prior research involvement with the research advisor is
Mathematically quantitative lecture and problem course in theory of
typically needed to receive permission.
electromagnetism. Topics include multipole fields, electromagnetic
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty research advisor and the
field equations, electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction,
capstone coordinator.
radiating systems, classical electron theory, spherical waves,
interference phenomena, and diffraction theory. PHY 491/PHY 591. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I. (4)
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: PHY 483/PHY 583 or permission of Introduction to the quantum theory and its application to physical
instructor. systems. Pre- or co-requisite: PHY 483/PHY 583, or permission of
instructor.
PHY 467. Seismology. (3)
Prerequisite: PHY 281.
Active learning course on seismology covering theory and application.
Topics will include elastic wave propagation, reflection/refraction PHY 610. Research. (1-10; maximum 10)
seismology, waveform modeling, tomography plate kinematics, and Independent research projects in theoretical or experimental physics.
time series analysis. Applications will focus on earthquakes and large- PHY 620. Topics in Modern Physics. (1-4; maximum 10)
scale tectonics. Study of various topics of interest in physics not covered in formal
Prerequisites: MTH 151 or MTH 153; PHY 161 or PHY 162 or PHY 181 course offerings.
or PHY 182; or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Cross-listed with GLG 467/GLG 567.
PHY 623. Solid State Physics. (3)
PHY 471/PHY 571. Advanced Electronics. (3) Introduction to advanced concepts of solid state physics. Discussions
Applications of solid state electronic devices and circuits. Includes center on the motion of electrons in more or less periodic
laboratory experience with discrete devices, integrated circuits, and structures, and the resulting properties. Topics include phonons,
transducers, and their application to measurements in research semiconductors, magnetism, supderconductors, and nuclear
situations. methods.
Prerequisite: PHY 281, PHY 292, PHY 294. Prerequisite: PHY 691 or permission of instructor.
PHY 477. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10) PHY 642. Advanced Kinetic Theory and Statistical Mechanics. (4)
PHY 480. Departmental Honors. (1-6; maximum 6) Transport theory of gases; Chapman-Enskog development. Classical
Departmental honors may be taken for a minimum of four semester and quantum statistical mechanics with applications to many-particle
hours and a maximum total of six semester hours, in one or more systems.
semesters of the student's senior year. PHY 651. Quantum and Nonlinear Optics. (3)
PHY 481/PHY 581. Gravitation and Spacetime. (3) The basics of electromagnetic interactions with matter are covered,
Beginning with the Lorentz invariance of Maxwell's equations, a including quantum and semiclassical theories of the laser, cavity
relativistic theory of motion is described for inertial reference frames. quantum-electrodynamics, hamonic generation and down-
This forms a framework for discussing Einstein's theory of gravitation. conversion, the cooling and trapping of atoms, and quantum
Prerequisite: PHY 483/PHY 583 or instructor permission. information theory.
Prerequisite: PHY 691 or instructor permission.
PHY 483/PHY 583. Mathematical Methods in Physics. (4)
Discusses mathematical methods applicable to classical mechanics, PHY 671. Electromagnetism. (4)
quantum mechanics, and electromagnetism. Develops problem- Electromagnetic theory and applications.
solving skills by applying material from introductory math and physics Prerequisite: PHY 461/PHY 561 or permission of instructor.
classes along with new mathematical techniques. Allows for modeling
of systems at a deeper level. Emphasizes the use of mathematics to
model physical systems and methods of solutions to the differential
equations of physics.
Prerequisite: PHY 281; MTH 222, MTH 252.
4 Physics (PHY)

PHY 677. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)

PHY 691. Modern Quantum Physics. (4)
Fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and the mathematical
techniques of Schrodinger and Heisenberg. Computer solution of
quantum mechanical problems.
Prerequisite: PHY 491/PHY 591 or permission of instructor.
PHY 692. Modern Quantum Physics. (4)
Fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and the mathematical
techniques of Schrodinger and Heisenberg. Computer solution of
quantum mechanical problems.
Prerequisite: PHY 691.
PHY 700. Research for Master's Thesis. (1-12; maximum 12)